Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern and southern regions of Uganda. Overlooking the DRC, Bwindi passes through two districts at the end of the rift valley. Its total area is 32000

With a total area of 321 square kilometers, Bwindi National Park is situated between 260 and 1160 meters above sea level. The park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its natural beauty and variety of wildlife. It was established in 1991 with the goal of protecting the critically endangered mountain gorillas. In addition to 350 bird species, 12 kinds of mammals, including mountain gorillas, and several tree spices, may be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

With approximately 400 mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the greatest number of gorillas, making trekking there easier. There are also 19 habituated gorillas there. families that belong to one of the park’s four sectors, such as the northern Buhoma sector. four habituated gorilla families are housed in the Ruhija sector in the eastern part of the park, three gorilla families are housed in the Nkuringo sector in the southern part of the park, and eight gorilla families are housed in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of the park.

Gorilla trekking takes place in the morning, and your guide will explain the procedures and guidelines while you’re in the bush. Following the procedure, you will be divided into groups of eight and assigned to a family of gorillas to hike. Before departing for the jungle, the individuals are gathered at the headquarters. You are classified for gorilla trekking based on your age, preferences, and level of physical condition. This facilitates or eases the guide’s task of assigning you to the gorillas you deserve, such as those in remote locations and the deep end.

Around 8:30 am, gorilla trekking starts under the direction of a skilled guide who knows every trail in the bush. Depending on the family’s location, trekking with the mountain gorillas can take one to three hours. Once you’ve located them, you can spend an hour photographing, filming, and learning about their habits and way of life in their habitat.

You will trek back to the park headquarters where you started once your time has passed. Additionally, upon arrival at the headquarters, you will receive a certificate attesting to your participation in gorilla trekking, which has been approved by the Uganda Wild Life Authority.

It is recommended that you wear light clothing, long sleeves, long pants or trousers, closed shoes, and long sleeves when trekking, depending on the weather, to prevent scratches and insect bites. In case something happens, they are expected to have a bag pack with a compass and a water bottle.

Those who want to go gorilla trekking must have licenses, which cost 800 USD for foreign non-residents and 700 USD for foreign residents. East African citizens must pay 300,000 SH per person. Note that you will not be able to hike if you do not have a permit. Additionally, according to UWA regulations, visitors who do gorilla trekking must be at least 15 years old.

Although it may be done year-round, gorilla trekking is best during dry seasons. Gorilla trekking is best during the first one, which goes from June to late September, and the second, which runs from December to the end of February.

It should be noted that if you come across the designated family of gorillas, you are not allowed to touch them as they are dangerous, and the ranger must tell you when to move closer to the gorillas in order for you to become accustomed to them.

Therefore, the rules and regulations of gorllia trekking must be followed once you are out in the jungle. The dos and don’ts must be followed strictly to avoid any encounters with the gorillas .